Don’t Give Up Your Dream.

For years…maybe your entire life you have dreamed of being an entrepreneur.  Working for yourself requires long hours and laser-focused dedication, but for many it is worth it.  There are many different professions that require specific licensing in the state of California such as teaching, contracting, real estate sales, etc.

Then there is California law SR-22.  There is much confusion about how this connects with DUI convictions in the state.  You must obtain an SR-22 form if you wish to reinstate your driver’s license following a DMV suspension.  This is not the only circumstance whereby an SR-22 may come into play.

The point is this…if you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of California and you wish to own a business you will most likely need the help of an attorney who knows the ins and outs of this form.  For decades people in our area have relied on San Jose DUI defense attorney William Chestnut for aggressive and successful representation.  Give Bill a call at (408) 298-6990.

New Year’s Eve DUIs

Did you or someone you care about really mess up on New Year’s Eve?  Last year the California Highway Patrol reported that traffic deaths and drunk driving arrests were up statewide compared to the previous year.  As a matter of fact, DUI arrests were up approximately 33% from 2013 to 2014.  You would think that everyone has learned their lesson by now.

But enough of the preaching.  If you have not exercised caution during the holiday season then you must exercise common sense in the New Year.  It may be you or a loved one, but whomever it is they will need aggressive representation when they go to court to defend themselves against that holiday DUI or other criminal charge.

Society has become less tolerant of DUI drivers, so if you need representation call someone who has 38 years of experience defending the rights of the accused in California.  So whether it was a drunk driving charge or some other criminal charge during the holiday season call San Jose area criminal attorney William Chestnut today.  Attorney Chestnut is dedicated to personal service, trust, and hard work.  Give him a call at (408) 298-6990 and make an appointment to consult with him at his new office at 4020 Moorpark Avenue, #214 in San Jose.

An Increase in Crime During the Holidays.

The holiday season seems to create more crime.  Maybe you needed extra money for presents or you just felt a sense of hopelessness at this time of year.  Needless to say this season comes with an excess of DUI’s as well.   A combination of celebration and seasonal depression can lead to a spike around the holidays, but the result is the same if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.

In San Jose, if you are arrested for a criminal DUI, there are certain steps you can take to help avoid a conviction.  Everyone knows that driving a vehicle under the influence carries serious consequences.  The authorities do not care that you were celebrating a company party.

The first step is consulting with San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney, William Chestnut. He has defended citizens for over 35 years and knows that no two cases are alike.  Because of his experience he is qualified to understand the local rules and regularly works against the attorneys at the District Attorney's office. His extensive legal experience and familiarity with the process will be vital to your criminal defense.  You must never face this alone.  Call Attorney Bill Chestnut today at (408) 298-6990.

The Ramifications of a DUI

What are the financial, lifestyle, and legal ramifications of a DUI?  Assuming it is a first–time offense and there are no additional charges or aggravating circumstances, you should prepare for the following:

1. Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days and you will be faced with administrative fees to the DMV to have it reinstated.

2. You will be ordered to pay a fine up to $1000 plus court costs and administrative fees.

3. You will receive a jail sentence of two days to six months, or community service if you are lucky.

4. You will be ordered to attend DUI School which you would have to pay for.

This is just part of the nightmare of getting a DUI.  Good people sometimes make bad decisions.  You have put yourself and others in jeopardy, but you should be able to get on with your life.  To make sure of that outcome, please call San Jose DUI attorney William Chestnut at (408) 298-6990.  Bill has defended thousands of clients for over 30 years.  Trust him to handle your case efficiently and aggressively.  

Use Extra Caution When Driving or Walking During December.

More than 700 people nationally are expected to be injured or killed each DAY during December in drunken driving crashes alone, a rate two to three times higher than the rest of the year, according to the centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

If you could turn back the clock you would not have had that extra drink.  You would not have crossed the street while looking at your cell phone.  You would have taken an extra second to look both ways before turning into traffic.

Regardless of whom is at fault in these holiday season catastrophes you need the best representation possible if you are accused in any type of accident where you are deemed at fault.  It can literally be the difference between freedom and incarceration in 2015 and beyond.

You may rely on the Law Office of William Chestnut for aggressive representation against any criminal charge of which you may be accused.  This is already a stressful and difficult time.  Put your trust in William Chestnut and give him a call at (408) 298-6990 to handle your case anywhere in the San Jose California area.

Don't Let The Holidays Get You Down

The holiday season is around the corner, and with that comes an excess of DUI's. A combination of celebration and seasonal depression can lead to the spike around the holidays, but the result is the same if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.

Did you know that in San Jose, if you are arrested for a criminal DUI, there are certain steps you can take to help avoid a conviction?

The first step is consulting with an experienced San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney, William Chestnut. He knows that no two cases are alike and he has an excellent understanding of the law, the local rules and regularly works against the attorneys at the District Attorney's office. His extensive legal experience and familiarity with the process with be vital to your criminal defense.
You shouldn't have to face it alone. 

Give Attorney William Chestnut a call today. Your future is worth preserving. 

An Attorney Who Listens...

When dealing with the police, be respectful and also be aware of your rights. Don't try and plea your case to the arresting officer, it won't help. In fact, it can, and often times does hurt to do so. The right to remain silent is indeed a right and should be embraced by anyone facing the law. Be compliant and respectful, but as they say: "Tell it to the judge"... Instead, tell it to us.

We will listen to all aspects of your case. Attorney Chestnut has over 30 years experience in both sides of the law. Don't settle for an attorney who doesn't listen--just tells you what he or she wants you to do. Get someone who will listen. There are so many mistakes made by police, lawyers, judges, etc. Attorney Chestnut will work to uncover all of these mistakes and help you get back to life.

For more information, call the Offices of William Chestnut at  (408) 298-6990

San Jose Criminal Attorney

When someone is charged with criminal spousal abuse charges relating to an argument involving domestic violence in the State of California, there are two common charges that they face in a criminal court. Those charges are corporal injury to a spouse, which is charged a felony crime or spousal battery which is generally charged as a misdemeanor crime. In this blog, we will discuss those two possible charges and will focus on certain issues that I have seen arise in various criminal cases that the Law Offices Of William H. Chestnut have handled involving criminal charges stemming from domestic violence.
Understand however, that every case is unique and that only an experienced criminal lawyer who is familiar with the facts of your case can properly advise you regarding your criminal matter. That is why if you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, the best thing that you can do for that person is to hire a San Jose Criminal Attorney to handle the criminal case. Going it alone can and will leave you at the mercy of the justice system which isn't very merciful when dealing with an accused domestic abuser.
Don't let the courts stigmatize you. We will fight for your freedom and good name. Call us today for a consultation.

Don't Drink And Drive This Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July is upon us again. In San Jose, outdoor activities are at their apex and so are the alcoholic beverages consumed by the patriotic revelers.

Unfortunately, the holidays are a deadly time to be on the road. Every year, hundreds of Americans die as a result of alcohol-related car crashes. The Fourth of July has repeatedly ranked as the deadliest holiday of the year -- even deadlier than New Year's Day.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been tracking car crash statistics for a quarter of a century. Fourth of July almost always tops the list. Statistics gathered over the past 25 years show that, on average, nearly 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol - although that percentage varies from year to year. Other holidays on the list include Labor Day, New Year's, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The NHTSA research has consistently shown that more people are killed in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver on the weekends and at night. In 2008 alone, 58 percent of drivers and motorcycle riders were killed in alcohol-related crashes that took place over the weekend and at night. But no matter what day it is, most crash fatalities occur on two-lane roads. Also, more people die while driving in rain compared to snow or sleet.

So now that we have your attention, think twice before you engage in such activities. But, if you or someone you know happens to get a DUI this Independence Day, be fully aware that you will be facing severe penalties that will make you wish you heeded the warning. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 for assistance with your San Jose DUI matter.

Whom To Call If You Are Arrested In San Jose For A Dui.

Spring is here and Californians are migrating to the beach to cool off. A tradition as old as the Santa Ana winds. With that also comes an increase of drunk driving.

You spent the day at the beach drinking a few beers and soaking up some rays. A couple of hours go by and you think you’re fine to drive. The breathalyzer you are given on PCH begs to differ. You just won a 10,000 dollar debt and jail time... How do you feel?
Probably pretty scared. Luckily, our competent attorneys are well versed in California’s strict DUI laws and will comb through your case to find any and every discrepancy from law enforcement, jailers, judges, prosecutors, et al.

The law isn’t perfect. Neither are those who enforce it--which is why we try to be. If you have recently been arrested for a DUI, give us a call yesterday. Time is paramount. Don’t let the legal system treat you like a bingo ball. Bouncing around an encasement hoping your number gets called so you can get out. Don’t take your chances. Give us a call. We’ll pull your number and get you out so you can get back to the business of living.